Special Constables were honoured for their dedication at an awards ceremony at Lancashire police headquarters

The event was attended by Specials from across Lancashire and was opened by Chief Constable Chris Rowley.

Special Constables are volunteer police officers who come from all walks of life. They have the same powers of arrest as regular officers and dedicate at least 16 hours a month to policing alongside their work and family commitments.

Blackburn based Special Constable Richard Sparks, received a special recognition award for his dedication, which was demonstrated when he identified a potential threat at a public event.

His actions were described as ‘superb’ by the local Safer Neighbourhood Team.

Special Sergeant Robert Frost and Special Constable James Gowans also received special recognition awards for their contribution to the Safer Roads Team and their work in helping to keep Lancashire’s roads safe.

There was also success for other Specials from across East Division, which covers the areas of Blackburn with Darwen, Hyndburn, Burnley, Pendle, Ribble Valley and Rossendale.

Special Sergeant Ron Pickering was Supervisor of the Year, runner up.

The Supervisor of the Year award recognises supervisors who have shown consistence in supporting their teams, whilst also contributing to policing in their communities.

Special Sergeant Pickering is based in Blackburn and joined as Special Constable back in 2004, being promoted to a Special Sergeant in 2020.

He was commended for his work as a great leader, always being ready to give advice and help wherever needed and checking up on his team both within their role as Specials and their lives outside of Lancashire Constabulary.

Ron has been described as a "dedicated career Special, being an unsung hero who quietly gets on with whatever is thrown at him".

Lancashire Telegraph: Special Inspector Paul Shoreman was Special Constable of the Year, runner up.

Meanwhile, the Special Constable of the Year award is given to those who have excelled in their roles and have made a major contribution to victims and their communities.

Special Inspector Paul Shoreman joined as a Special Constable in 2008 and is now the Special Inspector for Colne and the Ribble Valley. Paul is an active member of the Rural Task Force and is one of two Specials who support the East Division Team.

Special Inspector Paul has supported colleagues for several operations as part of the division, including working at football matches due to his training.

He has regularly "gone above and beyond in his role and having an unwavering commitment to helping others".

Lancashire Telegraph:

Chief Superintendent Mark Winstanley, Divisional Commander of East Division, said: “I would like to say a huge congratulations to those East Division Specials who have received recognition for their hard work.

“They have shown continued dedication and commitment to serving the communities in East Lancashire and have gone above and beyond in their role to help keep the public safe.

“I would like to say a big thank you to all our Special Constables who take time out of their busy lives to volunteer and support us, they are an asset to Lancashire Police.”